By Edwin Rollon
UAAP squads Far Eastern University and University of the East prevailed over NCAA counterparts as action started in the 2024 Shakey’s Super League Pre-Season Championship on Friday at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum.
The Lady Tams got off to a rousing start en route to a masterful 25-14, 25-19, 25-20 triumph, while the University of the East (UE) recovered from a set down to turn back Lyceum of the Philippines University (LPU), 24-26, 25-21, 25-22, 25-14.
Rookie Clarisse Loresco played like a grizzled veteran. She combined speed and power with seniors Alyzza Devosora and Kyle Pendon as the Lady Tamaraws overcame some scary moments throughout the one hour and 27 minutes of play.
The 18-year-old middle blocker finished with nine points, four coming in the third set including a thunderous quick attack that halted the Lady Stags’ late fight back and pushed FEU to match point.
“Masaya po ako na maganda ang nilaro ko and thankful kay coach Tina (Salak) for giving me the opportunity na maipakita ko yung laro ko in today’s game,” the former FEU standout said.
Devosora and Pendon added seven markers each, Nikka Medina had six while Mitzi Panangin and Ann Asis scored five apiece for Lady Tams eyeing to better their bronze medal finish in the last edition of the tournament backed by Shakey’s Pizza Parlor, GCash, Chery Tiggo, F2 Logistics, Peri-Peri Charcoal Chicken, Potato Corner, R and B Milk Tea and Summit Water.
Kath Santos powered the Lady Stags with nine points. At the same time, Divine Garcia and Juna Gonzales added five each in the meet powered by Smart Sports, PLDT Fibr, Mikasa, Asics, Rebel Sports, Eurotel, Victory Liner, Commission on Higher Education (CHED), Philippine Sports Commission (PSC), and SM Tickets as technical partners.
Games are aired live and on-demand via Puso Pilipinas, SMART Livestream, Solar Sports Channel 70 on Sky Cable, and Channel 59 on Cable Link.
Jelai Gajero, coming off from a knee injury she sustained last year, delivered an impressive performance for the Lady Warriors as she dropped a game-high 20 points from 17 kills, two kill blocks, and an ace.
Riza Nogales scored 15 points, while KC Cepada and Nahomie Mpata contributed nine and eight points, respectively.
Johna Dolorito paced Lyceum with 10 points.
